Maplewood cyclist struck by SUV in Millburn
By Maya Chung, Staff Writer
A Maplewood resident who was riding a bicycle Aug. 15 around 10 a.m. was hit by a sports utility vehicle at the corner of Millburn and Wyoming avenues in Millburn, according to Millburn Police Capt. Michael Palardy.
According to Millburn police, the driver of the SUV exchanged brief words with the male cyclist after the collision, then got back into his vehicle and drove off before police arrived to the scene.
Specifics on what was said between the driver and the victim were not disclosed by Millburn police.
Millburn First Aid Squad also responded to the scene, police said, and the bicyclist didn’t sustain serious injuries.
Millburn police did not immediately disclose the name of the victim or any other details about the accident, but they did say a license plate number may have been obtained. The Millburn Police Department is investigating the matter.
Currently The New Jersey Bike Walk Coalition is working on launching a campaign for a New Jersey Safe Passage Law, which they would want to require drivers to stay 4-feet from cyclists on the road, according to coalition board member Cami Zevelensky. The law is active in other states, such as Pennsylvania.
“Forcing everyday folks on bikes to merge with traffic is very dangerous,” said Zevelesnky. “Bike lanes are proven to be safer.”
Comment
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Comment by Cami Zelevansky on August 15, 2012 at 9:13pm -
This reporter misunderstood our conversation. This is not an issue of lack of bike lanes. This is an issue of aggressive driving and lack of knowledge that cyclists have a right to be on the road. The 4 ft safe passage law is active in PA. I would hope that a NJ safe passage law would also include a min. 4ft distance requirement for motorists to pass a cyclist. That said, I have no knowledge of exactly what wording will go into this bill. The New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition is mounting a campaign to get such a bill passed in New Jersey.
The final quote in this article was taken out of context and not accurate. When discussing the Maplewood Greenway and the Maplewood Bikeway Network Task Force working to implement safe options for cyclists, I was asked where I thought bike lanes were most appropriate. I replied that bike lanes are proven safer on busy streets for novice cyclists.
ALL cyclists have a right to ride on the road, regardless of their skill level. All road users, especially those who could inflict the most damage (such as the driver of an SUV) should be courteous, attentive and cautious.
-Cami Zelevansky
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